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are too well settled for any large group to be concealed thereon. How will you do, Ian? To go in after them without leave would be a grave offense against the kingyet to beg his leave just at this time" |
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"Why should he know aught of it?" Ian's voice was cold. "I will not touch even one of his precious deer. And does it not seem odd to you that the foresterswho would be quick enough to report my going into the foresthave not this long while noticed whoever is there?" |
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"John knows!" Alinor gave an outraged gasp. |
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"No, no." Ian soothed. "It is more likely that the foresters are bought. John may be no prize," he continued bleakly, "but if you take a man's penny, you must give him honest service. There will be a few less foresters if I find it needful to go into the Forest of Bere. Alinor, I will give a few days or a week to trying to trap them on your land. It will put a good face on matters if the king should hear of my invasion of his forest. I can say that, in the heat of pursuit, I did not mark where I was. But to have any hope in this matter, I must strip Roselynde of men-at-arms. Thus, you too will incur the king's displeasure should he hear of it.'' |
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"How can you be so silly?" Alinor laughed. "Can his displeasure with me be any greater?" |
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"No, but this is a matter he can bring up openly against you. Moreover, it will mean that for some time there will be none to defend Roselynde beyond women, old men, and babes." |
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Alinor considered, then shrugged. "You will not be so far that you cannot come to our assistance, and even women and babes can make shift to hold these walls until you come to us. As far as I know, I have no present enemy." |
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Ian accepted that, but he insisted on having warning beacons set up, as well as messengers, so that word of trouble at Roselynde Keep would reach him more quickly and surely. It was less the thought of enemies |
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